The Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) is affected by a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to access arbitrary text files on the underlying operating system with the privilege of root using an XML External Entity Injection attack.

Cisco has confirmed the vulnerability in a security advisory and has released software updates.

Warning Indicators

Cisco Prime DCNM versions prior to 6.2(3) are affected.

IntelliShield Analysis

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must conduct an XML external entity injection attack on the targeted device. In a typical enterprise environment, these devices would reside on trusted, internal networks behind firewalls and other security devices. These access restrictions limit the likelihood of a successful exploit.

An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to access arbitrary files on the underlying database with root privileges. Successful exploitation could be used to conduct further attacks.

Technical Information

The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input processed by the affected software.

An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by conducting an XML external entity injection attack against a targeted device. If processing the incoming requests is successful, XML external entity references and injected tags could allow the attacker to access sensitive information with root privileges. The attacker could use the root privileges to access arbitrary text files to conduct further attacks.

Safeguards

Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.

Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.

Administrators are advised to allow only privileged users to access administration or management systems.

Cisco customers with active contracts can obtain updates through the Software Center at the following link: Cisco. Cisco customers without contracts can obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-553-2447 or 1-408-526-7209 or via email at tac@cisco.com.

Alerts and bulletins on the Cisco Security Intelligence Operations Portal are highlighted by analysts in the
Cisco Threat Operations Center and represent a subset of the comprehensive content that is available through Cisco Security IntelliShield Alert Manager Service.
This customizable threat and vulnerability alert service provides security staff with access to timely, accurate, and credible information about threats and vulnerabilities that may affect their environment.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The urgency and severity ratings of this alert are not tailored to individual users; users may value alerts differently based upon their network configurations and circumstances. THE ALERT, AND INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DO NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. YOUR USE OF THE ALERT, AND INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE ALERT, IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. INFORMATION IN THIS ALERT AND ANY RELATED COMMUNICATIONS IS BASED ON OUR KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE ALERTS AT ANY TIME.